Coachdk

Ha Ha Ha Ha! Done them both!!! More than once...Atkins, McDougal, too!

That made me laugh! I can so relate to trying a new diet, realizing I couldn't eat whatever was still around from the last diet, getting rid of perfectly good food because "oh, I can't eat that now." That was my life. I did at least get to a point where I realized I was acting crazy. My poor friends in my book club....wondering what weird diet I would be on so I couldn't eat something they had prepared...meanwhile never really losing any weight. 11 days to Sleeve date.

Yep, I'm on the two shakes a day, protein/veggie regimen. But, I also have permission for a moderate dinner today. I have been doing the shakes for a few days, practicing up. Afternoons are long, and last night I went to bed earlier than usual...surprised I went to sleep fairly well. I was scared of surgery three years ago, now not so much. Certainly this forum has helped...checking things off the "take/don't take to the hospital list" and learning all sorts of things. Have ordered a few products. I'm trying to stay busy for these remaining days.

I would bet a vast majority of us have been "considering" this for years. I agree that we do it when the time is right. I went through all the testing three years ago. I'm sorry I didn't do it then in some ways, but I am much happier with my surgeon this time AND Aetna Medicare is paying! Plus, my surgeon took the endoscopy report from before. 12 days until Sleeve day.

I want to participate. CW is 265. Will be sleeved on Dec. 10. Goal is 248. Thanks!

Do you add my info to the Excel sheet, or am I supposed to? Starting weight 265 11/27. Goal weight 248.Coachdk

Both families look just wonderful. Big congrats for all your success! Pics next year from me.

Hi, all...any December folks who are Boomer aged? I'd love to find a sleeve buddy that is "more mature"...at least age wise. My date is Dec 10th. Anyone over 50 and close to that date? I'm 66.

Hi, yes. My name is Dema...it is a Greek name, but I'm not Greek....named after my grandmother who was named after her mother's best friend. I am 66, still working. I'm self employed as a Consultant. I am a Professional Certified Coach, and coach parents who have intense kids, and also high school/college students with ADD and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. (Www.greatnesscoach.org). In retrospect, I was an average weight teen who thought I should be thinner. I remember weighing 136 when I got pregnant at 23. I went up to 180, and it has been like a bull stock market ever since...up, down, up more, down, up more. My husband struggles with food issues a bit, too...but he is so active that he burns it off. That is,until a back injury a few months ago...and he has gained 15 pounds. My diet will be good for him, too, I'm guessing. We live in San Antonio. Thanks for asking!

Last year was my first surgery...knee replacement. Even though there are lots of "horror stories" about this surgery, it wasn't bad at all. I think that experience was what helped me decide to get the sleeve. My husband stayed with me the whole time and I was really glad. I'm okay with him leaving me some when I get the sleeve, though.

Oh, Linda...I am so happy to hear you are feeling so well. Today my husband told me he wants to have a party for his tennis team on the 14th..,just four days after surgery. Not a fan of that idea. But we finally compromised on the 21st. I should be feeling pretty good by then, I'm guessing. Four days seemed just a bit too soon. Your Thanksgiving plan sounds perfect. I'm the turkey and veggie girl, too. Keep posting about your progress..my pre op visit with my surgeon and final NUT appointment is tomorrow...then on to pre op diet. I've been doing two shakes a day for a week, but must admit to wine in the evenings.,.tee totaller after tomorrow!

I would love to go ziplining without the fear the line is going to break! Surgery Dec10, zip line on June 10th, 2014!

I'll post. I'm 66...hi, Linda...live in San Antonio. Surgery scheduled for Dec 10th...did pre op stuff today. I've been considering this for several years and decided to just DO IT! I want to get back to playing tennis and avoid a second knee replacement

I was approved without the supervised weight loss program. I was totally shocked, but I have Aetna Medicare Advantage.

My manual says no need to empty the bowel before surgery. I can have two protein shakes the day before, but nothing after midnight.

I have Medicare Advantage here in Texas and it is covered. I only had to have one NUT visit and a Psych eval. My initial consult with the surgeon was 10/25, then had approval a week after it was submitted on Nov.11th. Must admit I was shocked it moved so quickly.

I turned 66 a few weeks ago. Getting sleeved on Dec. 10th. Sure hope to be your twin in a year!! You have done amazingly.

I have been considering a sleeve for several years, and had many of the same thoughts as the OP. Last year I had a total knee replacement. Now that is drastic and permanent. My success with the new knee made me decide to get the sleeve...and my knee surgeon is very happy with my decision.

Well, this month we were supposed to read The Luminaries. Most of us, me included, couldn't get into it. Next month we are going to brunch...four days after I will get my sleeve. Guess I'll miss that!!! Not sure what we will read for January. October we read The Silver Star...really liked it.

I am in a book club and we read it...loved it, too!

I'm Dec 10th, too. Just had my one year checkup on my knee replacement, and surgeon is VERY glad I am getting the sleeve. That will help my dear husband feel a little better suspect..,he is a tad scared, kinda squeamish by nature

Okay, here is mine: Begins two weeks before surgery 3 meals/day: 2 Protein shakes and one small meal of 3 oz lean protein and non starchy veggie Snack can be sugar free Jello or sugar free Popsicle . 48-64 oz Fluid per day, sugar free/decaf No eating 24 hours before surgery except for Protein shake. Nothing after midnight day of surgery

Okay...got my date! I'm joining the group on December 10th. I am 66, my current weight is 263...need to lose another 3-7 pounds, but shouldn't be hard on the pre op diet. THAT will be hard, I'm sure. Hooray! Not long now.

So, it was true...everything was submitted: one NUT appointment and the Psych and two years' weight history....and Aetna Medicare Advantage gave approval in six days! Now just waiting for the scheduler to call. Never could have imagined how quickly this would go.

Just went to my first appointment with my surgeon. I was expecting to have to do a three month supervised program...but was told I only need 1 visit with the Nut and the psych eval and they can submit for approval. So, it appears what I figured would take until February might just be a few weeks away. Anyone have experience with Aetna Medicare?